Habitat Restoration - Shoreland
The Lake Sinissippi Improvement District proposes to restore undeveloped shoreline habitat along the south end of Anthony Island, on Lake Sinissippi to enhance wildlife habitat restoration and protect the island from erosion. They will remove weedy shrubs in the forest, replant native shrubs and herbaceous vegetation, and install riprap to protect the island from the active erosion that is currently toppling trees into the lake
Educate and engage residents
The Hustisford School District will use this grant to educate citizens and youth about their place in the watershed and the value to their lives of healthy local water resources, and help them participate in planning and implementation of protection and management of those waters. The educational techniques include media articles, summer school open house, and a library display.
Water Quality Planning
This grant will provide for the sampling and analysis of water samples taken from stage discharge stations on the West Branch of the Rock River near Waupun, the East Branch of the Rock River near Mayville, the Rock River at Horicon, and the Rock River at Hustisford. The data collected, when combined with previously collected data, will be used to provide a better understanding of sediment and Phosphorus loads entering Horicon Marsh, leaving Horicon Marsh, entering Lake Sinissippi, and leaving Lake Sinissippi.
Educate and engage residents
Project Scope and Description of Deliverables: This project will clearly try and engage the public in getting involved in trying to make a difference in the Rock River. In the application pages 6, 7, and 8, clearly outline the goals/objectives and the activities (1a-1d) necessary to reach those goals. The success of this project will closely follow how many of these goals the sponsor can accomplish. Project Final deliverables include: 1) Reach 400 people will participate in all or portions of event. 2) Prepare a written guide on entire process for future groups. 3) Complete web map with monitoring results and data analysis. 4) Ensure 10 schools participate in online programming and following on social media. 5) Ensure 8 schools have in-class programming. 6) Development of Student evaluations. 7) Document participation via pledge cards. 8) Compile a summary of the event and actions and post on social media Facebook, Twitter, and web page. 8) Compile a video and photo collection of the event and the sections paddled. 9) Work with biologist to capture data in proper data bases. Specific final activities include: 1) Finalize locations, logistics, lodging, and securing permission to paddle Federal portion of Horicon Marsh. 2) Hire coordinator to manage event. 3) RRC will encourage public elected official(s) to paddle portions of Rock River in their jurisdiction. 4) Update and promote event on social media. 5) Prepare written program guidance document. 6) Hire UW Whitewater students to paddle kayaks with probes and displaying digital information. 7) UW-W Professor Dr. Eric Compas will provide trouble shooting guidance.
Data analysis, report production
The Rock River Coalition will undertake a River Planning grant to compile and analyze water quality data collected over the last 12 years. The RRC will then produce a basin wide summary of the information. This summary of water quality data will be made available to the public through the RRC website. The information will be used to build an advisory team which will create goals for the monitoring teams. The report card will help to focus monitoring efforts where they are needed most and provide information on the status of water quality throughout the basin. Project deliverables are: 1. Determine the new \201Cstrategic membership\201D of the Stream Monitoring Advisory Committee (SMAC), from a wide range of partners and interests. 2. Hold two meetings of the newly rejuvenated stream monitoring advisory steering committee will have been held in first year of project. 3. Have SMAC establish focus areas for monitoring and determine the goals and objectives of the use of the monitoring data. 4. SMAC will create proposal to submit to the consultant to determine best methods for data analysis and ranking criteria for \201CReport Card\201D. 5. 20 copies will be printed and distributed to key locations. A pdf of the Report Card will also appear on the Rock River Coalition web site.
Water Quality Planning
The Rock River Coalition plans to use 2 different groups to collect water quality data using probes and canoes along the entire length of the Rock River. The data will be presented to various civic groups and organizations to increase public awareness of water quality issues in the Rock River Basin. By connecting the public with the River, the goal is to increase public participation in the actions necessary to improve water quality throughout the Basin. Project deliverables are as follows: 1. Develop presentation on the Rock River water quality issues, the upcoming paddle event, the DNR Rock River Recovery effort and the efforts of the sponsoring organizations. 2. Give presentations at 15 community organizations in a variety of locations along the proposed route. 3. Develop sponsor placard 4. Purchase items for probe assembly 5. Test probe by paddling in various situations 6. Develop visual methods of displaying water quality probe data with a GIS application, in conjunction with UW-Whitewater staff. 7. Develop at least two different media releases/newsletter articles about the project. 8. Finalize plans for the paddle event to be held in spring 2016.
Protect Riparian or Shorelands
Jefferson County Parks Department will undertake a shoreline restoration project at Rock River Park to protect it from further erosion and to provide an improved shoreline fishing and outdoor experience for park users. Work is to include removing current fabric, regrading to allow for correct slope, installing filter fabric, field stone rip rap and native plant vegetation with the rock and or/behind the rip rap. Maintenance of the native vegetation within the rip rap above the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) is a condition of the grant. Jefferson County Parks Department's maintenance plan for Rock River Park will include no mowing/trimming/removal of the native vegetation. Potential future additions of shore fishing piers/platforms at the site that may require adjustment of the native vegetation will be coordinated with Fisheries Management. Project deliverables are as follows: 1.) Shoreline restoration completed on 208 feet of river shoreline on the Rock River and the Rock River Park, 2.) Erosion control including planting and maintaining native vegetation within the rip rap above the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM). 3.) Rock River Park's maintenance plan will include a provision for maintenance of native vegetation within the project area.
Rivers Planning Grant
The Rock River Coalition, Inc. will sponsor a River Planning project to collect data and to provide information that demonstrate that the installation of conservation practices in the watershed results in improved water quality. Project deliverables include: 1.) summary of water quality findings, 2.) compare concentration and loads of suspended sediments and nutrients between sites and data collected in 1998-2000. The data that is being collected will be used to compare with previous data. The water quality data, along with future biological data, will be used to determine if the impaired waters have improved and if so to an extent where the water bodies can be removed from the 303d list. 3.) Summary of implemented point and nonpoint practices. The project includes a tracking component using GIS mapping that tracks all practices implemented in the watershed. These maps, along with the data comparison information will show where practices have been installed and whether or not the project has been successful. 4.) The project includes an education effort to inform landowners and other stakeholders that the installation of ag nonpoint practices to reduce nutrient and sediment inputs to the Horicon marsh watershed does improve water quality and the quality of the River. The improved water quality data that is collected will be presented through various meetings and media to show that practices installed were successful.
Monitor Watershed (Status,Sources,Impairments)
The Rock River Coalition, Inc. will conduct a monitoring project on the Rock River to collect data and provide information to prove that the installation of conservation practices in the watershed resulted in improved water quality. Project deliverables include collecting and analyzing nutrient and suspended sediment samples from the two inlets and one outlet of the Horicon Marsh and sites in the East and West Rock River watersheds, compiling a list of point and nonpoint source practices installed since 2000, load computations for water year 2010, comparison on 2010 load computations with data previously collected data in 1998 and 1999 to see if improvements resulted from the practices installed, training additional citizen monitor volunteers (if necessary) to assist in the sample collection, and gathering information that will be useful in the implementation of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of the Rock River.
Partnership Project
The Rock River Coalition, Inc., partnering with USGS, USFWS, the City of Horicon and WDNR will conduct a water quality monitoring project to determine if conservation practices installed since 2000 in the Upper Rock River Basin watershed has resulted in measureable improved water quality, provide a current baseline of water quality to assess changes occurring after 2009, foster citizen involvement and train citizen monitors in sample collection. The project will: 1) collect and analyze nutrient and sediment samples from two tributary streams and the outlet of Horicon Marsh; 2) compile an analysis of point and non-point source practices installed since 2000; 3) compare the new data to data collected in a similar study done in 1998 and 1999 to determine if water quality improvements have occurred. Along with a final report, project deliverables include: 1) an assessment of nutrient and sediment loading to the Horicon Marsh; 2) an assessment of effectiveness of point and non-point pollution reduction practices to reduce pollutant load to the marsh; and 3) provide data to help determine the accuracy of the TMDL modeling that will be done as part of the Rock River Basin TMDL project.
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
The Rock River Coalition, Inc. will begin statewide implementation of the Water Star Community Program. The goal of this project is to recognize communities that meet performance standards and conduct activities to enhance stormwater management, groundwater protection, habitat protection and human health. Along with a final report, project deliverables include: 1) Conduct Water Star Community presentations to at least 10 groups; 2) improve the web-based application process; and 3) design and produce Water Star Community signs.
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
The Rock River Coalition, Inc will conduct a project to finalize the design and to implement statewide the Water Star Community Program. This incentive-based program will work with municipalities to perserve and improve their local water quality. Project deliverables include 1) use of feedback from pilot communities to develop the final program plan for the Water Star Community program; 2) finalize all incentives as suggested by the pilot communities/steering committee; 3) develop a long-range plan for program implementation; 4) develop and publish a final program manual; 5) promote the Water Star program across the State.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
The primary goal of this project is the initial planning and development of a comprehensive phosphorus sampling plan for the Rock River Basin using volunteers. Objectives include: 1) developing a ranked list of sampling sites; and 2) developing a complete monitoring plan to include sites, final protocols, partners, responsibilities, etc.
Stormwater Planning, Implementation
The primary goal of this Rock River Basin project is to improve/protect water quality by promoting urban stormwater management through a program to recognize communities that conduct a stormwater managment program that meets performance standards as well as enhance groundwater protection, habitat protection, and human health. Objectives include: 1) Organizing a statewide partnership of stakeholders concerned about urban stormwater/urban environment; 2) developing "star water program" elements, activities, point structure, incentives, etc., and 3) establishing at least three pilot Water Star Communities within the Rock River Basin.
Educate and engage residents
We anticipate working primarily in areas where rain garden and storm water education has not yet occurred. Rain gardens will be installed at schools or other community locations in eight basin communities and will be highly visible. Students and community groups will develop the rain gardens. The rain gardens are expected to increase public involvement in local community decision- making by raising awareness of environmental issues facing the Rock River Basin.
Stormwater Planning, Implementation
The project goal is to improve/protect water quality by promoting urban stormwater management through a program to recognize communities that conduct a stormwater management program that meets performance standards. The objectives are to: organize a partnership of stakeholders; explore what has been and is being done currently to promote urban stormwater management; assess interest and value for developing such a project; and, develop a project proposal and seek funding through grants to implement the program.
Monitor to Evaluate Stream Baseflow
The Lake Koshkonong Wetland Association will conduct a study that will describe correlations between historic and present lake water levels with the growth rates of Floodplain trees in wetlands adjacent to lake Koshkonong and the Rock River. This study will also illustrate the current and proposed hydologic conditions in relation to rooting structures and surface elevations within these forest communities.
Educate and engage residents
The Rock River Coalition will increase citizen participation in the Coalition's river protection activities, reduce point and nonpoint pollution in the Rock River basin, increase riverfront revitalization efforts, and increase Coalition membership. The Coalition will do this by implementing environmental action projects, adding to the riverfront revitalization casebook, making presentations, and hosting the Coalition's exhibit at local events.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Rock River Coalition will continue the expansion and institutionalization of the Rock River Basin Citizen Monitoring Program so that the program can increase and train the number of individual monitors, schools and youth groups. Project deliverables include the annual 'Confluence 'conference, interenet database with the collect river data, and quality assurance and quality control techniques.
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
The Rock River Coalition will build its organization and increase its educational outreach. Project deliverables include employing an outreach coordinator, developing an action plan for citizen involvement in river revitalization and a riverfront revitalization casebook, and hosting a river conference or workshop.
Protect Riparian or Shorelands
The Rock River Coalition will provide assistance and direction to local municipalities in order to stabilize and restore 12 critical shoreline areas within the Rock River Basin.. Project deliverables include: restoring a native shoreline to provide a natural habitat for wildlife, controling errosion due to fluctuating water levels, creating a buffer strip along the parkland, education outreach, including local residents with hands on involvement for river protection, creating additional green space, minimizing soil loss, and controling surface water runoff.
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
Rock River Coalition will increase citizen participation in the Rock River Coalition river protection activities, reduce point and nonpoint pollution in the Rock River Basin, and increase riverfront revitalization efforts.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Rock River Coalition will attempt to develop and implement a citizen monitoring program in order to collect data on streams, lakes and rivers and educate the community about the waterbodies.
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
Rock River Headwaters will increase organizational development along with creating effective community-based regional watershed planning and management. Project deliverables: include a fund raising strategy, a public information and education plan, and a public engagement plan.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
The Rock River Coalition will hire five local monitoring coordinators as a part of their citizen volunteer monitoring plan.
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
The Rock River Coalition will implement the business outreach strategic plan that was developed in phase one of this project. Specifically: 1) hire a project coordinator, 2) activate the business outreach plan, 3) develop a Power Point and/or other presentations for businesses and industries, 4) develop a menu of activities for business involvement and protocols for implementing them, 5) contact 20 businesses per month, 6) establish 5, on the ground environmental protection projects with at least one on an ERW or ORW, 7) host roundtables or training workshops for basin businesses and business associations with potential broadcast over local cable channels, 8) increase corporate sponsorship of the Rock River Coalition by 70%.
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
Rock River Headwaters Inc. (RRHI) will hire a transition and outreach coordinator position. That position will: 1) assist agencies, groups and individual in the transition from Horicon Marsh area Coalition's informal collaborative approaches to RRHI's new organizational structure, 2) help incorporate HMAC's traditions and collaborative process into RRHI, 3) Work at retaining and revitalizing existing members of HMAC for RRHI, 4) organize scientific materials and information already prepared by HMAC and make it available to others, 5) use collected data to identify problems and present these to entities that can address them, 6) prepare and present programs to reawaken community interest and reach new groups of people, 7) assist in developing a citizen's participation process for the DNR's State of the Basin Report.
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
The Rock River Coalition, Inc. will generate a strategy for developing business and corporate involvement with the Coalition to protect river quality and increase cooperation with businesses and industries. It will include: develop promotional materials for this strategy, develop a business needs assessment survey and a business contact strategy, work with UWEX CNRED staff begin implementing this strategy on a pilot basis.
TMDL Implementation
Rock River Recovery is the official name of the Rock River Watershed TMDL Implementation process. There are over 40 waterbodies in the basin that are on the 303(d) list of impaired waters. The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) focuses on the waters that are impaired by excessive sediment and phosphorus.
TMDL Implementation
Rock River Recovery is the official name of the Rock River Basin TMDL Implementation process. Here you will find information to answer most questions about the Rock River TMDL including Development of TMDLs, TMDL Sector Teams, Implementation Planning, and Restoration Projects.
Sewer Service Area Planning
The City of Watertown completed a Smart Growth Comprehensive Master Plan (hereafter referred to as the Comprehensive Plan) in August 2000 and a Wastewater Facilities Plan in September 2000. This Sanitary Sewer Service Area Plan is intended to complement these previous planning efforts and provide a framework for guiding future development in the area. The Plan takes into account the technical, environmental and growth projections of the City in establishing the sewer service area.
Sewer Service Area Planning
The City of Janesville water quality plan, or sewer service area plan, is the official citywide water quality management plan for the City of Janesville and its four surrounding townships Harmony, Janesville, Rock, and La Prairie
Sewer Service Area Planning
The 2030 Beloit Area Water Quality Management Plan will provide a policy framework and set of guidelines to enforce the federal, state and local water quality programs in the City of Beloit, Town of Beloit and surrounding the area.
All communities in the Middle Rock River Watershed could further protect the Rock River by enacting and enforcing construction site erosion control and stormwater management ordinances, improving enforcement of existing construction site erosion control provisions, and acquiring parkland and natural areas adjacent the river and along tributaries of the river.
The Rock River is listed as impaired due to narrative water quality criteria exceedances that result in eutophication, excess algal growth, turbid conditions, and reductions in fish and aquatic life uses. These problems are caused by excess phosphorus in surface waters and excess sediment from runoff and soil erosion, which degrade conditions for aquatic life.
Management plans for the Rock River are being developed through the 2011 Total Maximum Daily Load Analysis for the Basin, as well as through subsequent planning and implementation strategies stemming from this work.